ITANAGAR, Dec 11: The cash reward of Rs 2 lakh announced by the Arunachal Pradesh
Police for giving information or clue leading to arrest of the assailant/s of Tongam
Rina, Associate Editor of The Arunachal Times still stands. The identity of the informer/s
will be kept secret. The informer/s may contact Capital SP at tele. numbers : 09436040006

Drug peddler nabbed

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: A team of city police led by Dy. SP (P) Jummar Basar arrested a
drug peddler namely Tai Simmi (40) of Sangram area, Kurung Kumey district from the
backside of Sekey Colony, Akashdeep market, Itanagar. The police also seized 645
packets of Ganja (approx. 12 kilograms) from her possession which was stocked in
her house for sale, according to a release issued by City SP. The approx. market
value of the recovered goods is Rs. 25000, the release said.

A case has been registered at Itanagar police station (Case No. 281/12 u/s 20 (I)
of NDPS Act, 1985 in the regard and the arrested person remanded in police custody
for further investigation to ascertain the source of the drug substance, the release
added. The Cannabis is a narcotics substance and the production, possession, use,
sell and purchase of such substances are a criminal offence under NDPS Act, 1985.

Magistrate issues directives

NAHARLAGUN, Dec 11: The Magistrate, Itanagar Capital Complex in exercise of the powers
vested in him under Section 144 Cr. P.C, has directed the owners/ managers of hotels
and guest houses in Capital Complex to keep a photo copy of the photo identity proof
of all guests staying in their hotels and maintain them in a separate folder, date
wise which shall be produced to the police officers/ magistrates on duty, if sought.

The SP (city) and all the executive magistrates are instructed to randomly check
the hotels and guest houses in the Capital Complex to ensure that the hotels, guest
houses are keeping the record of the identity proofs of the people staying in their
premises.

The precautionary measure has been taken in view of the deteriorating law and order
situation in neighboring states, the state of Arunachal Pradesh and Papum Pare district
in particular, according to an official release from the District Magistrate. DIPR

ACS demands enquiry

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) in a representation has appealed
to the Chief Secretary to immediately cancel the alleged official land allotment
process by Basar ADC to allot 500 sqmt and 750 sqmt Govt land to Basar MLA and his
wife.

Claiming that the Basar ADC has already forwarded letter to Director of Land Management
with a recommendation to allot the land to the MLA and his wife, ACS questioned how
possible is it for a Govt staff to recommend Govt land for issue of land allotment
order to private parties for commercial purpose?

ACS urged the Chief Secretary to set up an enquiry committee against the ADC and
also take appropriate action against him for allegedly misusing power and function.

Houses gutted in fire

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: In shocking fire incidents, both the ancestral house and Government
quarter of Assistant Professor of Donyi Polo College Kamki Goli Bagra were gutted
on December 9 and 10 respectively.

While informing about the fire accidents, principal of the college, appealed to the
authority and well wishers to extend helping hands to the victim’s family.

AASSATA resolve to continue stir

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: All Arunachal Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teachers Association (AASSATA)
along with its federal units has reaffirmed the decision to continue the on-going
pen down/tool down strike till the charter of demands is met by the Govt. This decision
was taken ‘owing to non-responsive attitude of the state Govt even after the 10 days
of the strike’, said the Association in its release.

“The promises and assurance without substantial results proved the failure of the
present Govt,” the Association said adding that in spite of appreciation for serving
with utmost sincerity we are rewarded with irritating, threatening, demoralizing
statements which have deeply hurt us and will affect the moral strength of the teaching
fraternity of the state in the long run. The Association appealed to organizations,
civil society and general public to extend support to the their on-going agitation.

::::::::::::::::::::

149 days have passed. The culprits involved in the July 15 attack on The Arunachal
Times associate editor Tongam Rina are still at large.

SIT files charge-sheet against 57 accused in PDS scandal

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: A special investigation team (SIT), constituted by the Guwahati
High Court to probe into the PDS scam in Arunachal Pradesh, has filed charge sheets
in six cases against 57 accused, including 24 public servants. "On completion of
investigation, charge sheets have been filed in all six cases against 57 accused,
including 24 public servants," Union Food Minister K V Thomas said in a written reply
to the Rajya Sabha. The SIT under Special Investigation Cell of Arunachal Pradesh
carried out investigation in six cases registered on allegations of irregularity
and corruption in the distribution of food grains in the state under various central
welfare schemes, he said. The team completed investigation under monitoring by the
Guwahati High Court, where a public interest litigation case was filed by a state-based
NGO in 2004, he added. He also said that provisional advance of Rs 45.76 crore has
been given to the state towards Hill Transport Subsidy (HTS) claims from April 2007
onwards to be adjusted against bills submitted by it.

The recent missing drama enacted by former SIT Chief Mayank Chauhan and allegation
of corruption charges against him seriously dented the image of SIT. Also barring
arrest of a former chief minister, the SIT failed to make any more arrest in the
case. Many sitting MLAs, ministers and their relatives are allegedly believed to
be involved in the massive 1000 crore PDS scandal which rocked state in the year
2004. Most of them are on bail at present. On June 13, 2004, two civil right activists
of state filed a Public Interest Litigation at the Gauhati High Court, claiming that
locals of Arunachal Pradesh were not getting any food grains under the PDS and accused
the than government of selling all items available under the PDS in the black market
in adjoining Assam.

Repeatedly various NGOs and political parties had demanded CBI investigation into
the case. The failure on the part of SIT to make any arrest has hurt the sentiment
of people of state. Majority of Arunachalee citizens especially those living in interior
areas depend on PDS food grains for survival. The massive scandal is, therefore,
drew the attention of the large section of society. Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has
reiterated many times that his is a people’s first government. He can do a great
service to the people of Arunachal by ensuring that all accused of PDS scandal are
put behind the bar. (PTI with inputs from ATNS)

Subi represents Arunachal inHornbill Festival NIAPA Fashion Night

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: Much to the delight of people of Arunachal, an Arunachalee model
Subi Taba represented the state in recently concluded NIAPA Fashion Night Hornbill
Festival in Kohima.

Twenty-year-old Taba walked the ramp along with various top models from India and
the NE region in the glamorous event at Kisama Bamboo Hall. Top designers like Annu
and Amrit of Assam and Nagaland renowned model Esther Jamir showcased their designs
in two sequences. The NIAPA Fashion Night culminated in a grand finale by showcasing
an overwhelming wedding collection by NIAPA’s heads, Akuonuo Khezhie and Garima.

Taba is also associated with Infocus Model Management which is a branch of the North
East India Academy of Performing Arts (NIAPA), Dimapur. She was selected through
audition which was held in Itanagar in July, 2011 and also awarded scholarship to
pursue a professional modeling course in NIAPA managed by Akuonuo Khezhie. An M.Sc
Horticulture student Taba also won Miss East Kameng contest in 2010 and was also
first runner up of Miss AAPSU in same year. She was also crowned Fresher Queen, NIAPA,
2011 and bagged the title model for Delhi School of Photography, 2012. She also walked
the ramp for Annu and Amrit of Assam and Ester Jamir of Nagaland this year.

Awareness rally against opium

Guide the new generation properly: Governor

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh General (Retd) J.J. Singh flagged
off an awareness rally against opium cultivation at Khonsa in Tirap District today.
The rally will transverse through five eastern districts of the State -- Longding,
Tirap, Changlang, Lohit and Anjaw, and culminate at Kibitho in Anjaw on December
16.

The Governor also flagged off the 2nd Tirap half marathon, a run against opium menace
with the theme, ‘Yes to Health and no to Opium’ on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor urged upon the people to stand against drug
addiction and opium cultivation. He said that drug addiction not only damages a person
physically and mentally but also damages his or her family and society. If a person
is addicted to alcohol or drugs, the effects can negatively impact upon the marriage
and relationships, home and family life, education, employment, health and well-being,
personality, financial issues and law and order. He called upon the elders to provide
proper guidance to the new generation.

The Governor suggested the people to go for alternative to opium cultivation, such
as tea and rubber cultivation, horticulture, fisheries, and animal husbandry. He
also asked the officials of agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and animal husbandry
to be proactive and reach out to the people. The Governor made a special mention
of villagers of Noglo and Lonliam villages for their decision to give up cultivation
of opium.

The Governor appreciated the district administrations of all the five districts and
officials of Central Bureau of Narcotics for their initiative against opium cultivation.
He expressed his confidence that the rally will carry the message against drug addiction
to every corner of the five districts that it will transverse. The rally will definitely
create awareness against opium cultivation and also provide ideas for alternative
means of livelihood.

While commending the Speaker of State Assembly Wanglin Lowangdong for initiated steps
against HIV AIDS, he expressed his hope that the Speaker along with other representatives
will take initiative with same passion and enthusiasm against opium cultivation and
drug addiction.

Dwelling in length on the development progress of the State through the Prime Minister’s
special economic package and untiring efforts of the State Government, the Governor
also spoke on tourism and famed wood crafts of Tirap as avenues for employment and
entrepreneurship.

Recalling his early days in Tirap in early 1980s, the Governor expressed pain on
the incidences of violence in the district. He called upon the opinion makers and
community leaders to lead the misguided youth to mainstream.

As token of love for the people of Tirap, the Governor announced a sum of Rs. 5 lakh
for school furniture for the schools of the district, another amount of Rs. 5 lakh
for De-Addiction campaign and activities and Rs.2 lakh for a dental chair in the
District Hospital. He also made a personal contribution of Rs. 1 lakh towards the
Awareness Rally.

In his address Speaker Lowangdong termed the drug addiction as social evil and called
upon the people to fight against it. Local MLA Kamthok Lowang also joined the Speaker
urging the people to get rid of the opium menace. Tirap District DRDA Project Director
also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, in his welcome address Tirap Deputy Commissioner Sachin Shinde read out
the message of the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki for the rally. Tuki in his message congratulated
the District Administration of Tirap and said such initiative will give a warning
call to the opium cultivators to be aware on its consequences from legal, religious,
and social perspective.

A colourful culture presentation was presented by Nocte, Tutsa and Wancho tribes.
Local bank, ‘Blue Ink’ presented the theme song of the rally.

Later the Governor gave away certificate and cash award to Kanubari Women Welfare
Association for its crusade against drug addiction in Kanubari area of Tirap district.

The Governor, joined by State First lady distributed relief to Ozakho Fire victims.

Giving details of the 2nd Half Marathon, District Sports Officer Roy Mihu informed
that the half marathon has been conducted under four categories, i.e. armed force
personnel, open for men, open for women, girls and boys. 131 personnel including
53 from CRPF, 25 each from Madras Regiment and Assam Rifles and 15 each from Rajput
Regiment and IRBn took part in the run. 156 men, 90 women, 189 boys and 100 girls
also participated in the marathon.

As part of the event the Madras Regiment installed an Army recruitment awareness
stall at the rally ground.

State First Lady Anupama Singh, Parliamentary Secretary Yumsen Matey, Commissioner
Home Ramesh Negi, Secretary to Governor Ankur Garg, Secretary Finance Swati Sharma,
Brig Rajinder Singh, 25 Sector of Army, Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents
of Police of Tirap and Longding were present on the occasion along with government
officials, public and panchayat leaders, goan buras, public and students of Khonsa.
PRO to Raj Bhavan

Shoulder responsibility to minimize crime: CM

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today called upon every citizen, particularly
parents, to shoulder the responsibility of minimizing crime in the state capital
as well as across the state.

Laying the foundation stone of the Catholic Church here at newly christened Daying
Ering Colony (near under-construction Assembly Secretariat) here this morning, Tuki
pointed out that law and order problems are created mostly by misguided or unguided
youths and therefore the blame should be equally accepted by their parents. “What
can a Government do when the parents fail to guide and control their children? If
you want I can use force as per law but do you want your children jailed under stringent
laws or shot at by police?” Tuki threw the million dollar question while addressing
a gathering of believers.

He beckoned that a clear message should go from the Churches to all parents and citizens
that maintaining peace and law and order is not only the responsibility of the Government
but theirs as well.

The Chief Minister expressed surprise over several demands for enhancement of police
force and establishment of police stations. He explained increasing or deploying
police force is not the solution to law and order problem but the solution lies in
proper guidance and control of parents over their growing children.

He also suggested against encouraging mushrooming of organizations, especially in
the name of churches of various denominations.

“There are already overwhelming number of student, clan, colony, community, etc based
unions and organizations. Churches should show by example and discourage such formations.
In the name of uniting such organizations actually create disunity and alienation
amongst the masses,” he said.

Being a stout Christian, Tuki, however, asked the Christian community not to confuse
with his religion and the post held by him. He said he might be a Christian but not
a Christian Chief Minister.

“As the Chief Minister of this state, every religion is equal to me. I have to look
after every region, every community and every tribe irrespective of their religion
and beliefs,” he said and assured believers of every faith and religion that their
rights would be protected by the Government.

Lauding the Catholic Missionaries for their selfless services rendered in the fields
of education, health and lifestyle of the people, Tuki expressed gratitude for helping
the government in their own ways.

“Where the government couldn’t reach, the Missionaries did. I salute them for that,”
he said.

Guest of Honor on the occasion, Lok Sabha MP Takam Sanjoy hailed the Catholic Mission
for taking upon itself the construction of a one-of-its-kind Church in the heart
of the state capital. He appealed all believers to contribute in the construction
of the Church.

Sanjoy said that everyday people give donations for one or the other cause but most
of these are misused.

“I can guarantee that donations for this cause will not go unspent or spent uselessly,”
he said.

The upcoming Church – Jubilee Memorial Church – would be a state-of-the-art building
with three levels. While the basement level would be for parking, the second level
will have an auditorium that would house 3000 people. The third level will be the
Church that would comfortably accommodate 2500 people on pews. The balcony is supposed
to accommodate more than 800 people. The octagonal shaped church will have an illuminated
Cross at a height of 142 feet, a grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes with a water fountain
and a rosary park in devotion to Our Lady.

As per information, the contributions made by believers have reached Rs 20 lakhs
till date.

PASIGHAT, Dec 11: The Eastern Arunachal Peoples’ Welfare Organization (EAPWO) with
its headquarter here has moved the state government for posting of Divisional Commissioner
for eastern zone besides creation and shifting of Heads of the department/offices
meant for eastern zone to any suitable place within East-Arunachal districts.

The EAPWO, in a representation recently submitted to Chief Minister Nabam Tuki urged
the state government to refurbish the office of the Divisional Commissioner (Eastern
zone) at Namsai in Lohit district and to post the officer therein. The organization
further urged the government to create two posts of Director cum Chief Engineer in
important departments such as Urban Development and Housing etc.

Talking to this correspondent, coordinator of EAPWO Tani Moyong lamented that the
state government is centralizing all heads of officials and financial allocation
in Itanagar and thereby creating immense problem for the people of East-Arunachal
districts. Moreover, unsuitable topography of the landlocked state hit-hard the people
of eastern zone as they are facing hardship in to and fro journey Itanagar for official
works. The organization, taking the disadvantage into account is demanding creation
of two Head of officer in each department and shifting of the office for eastern
zone to a suitable place within the East-Arunachal districts. As such, offices for
Chief Engineer meant for Eastern Zone should immediately be shifted from Itanagar
either to Lohit or Pasighat for pubic convenience.

It is worth-mentioning that an extra Divisional Commissioner for eastern zone has
already been created by the government but it is not yet posted in Namsai in Lohit
district.

According to another demand laid in the representation, government should take step
for decentralization of fund or financial allotment in district-wise manner. “District-wise
decentralization of fund to be earmarked under a separate and Independent Sub-Head
within the state budget in accordance with guidelines laid down by the state government
from time to time”, the representation mentioned.

The organization also demanded the government for equal sharing of Grant- in-aid
and any special fund/package enunciated by the central government.

2nd ANYA Youth Convention concludes

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: The 2nd Youth Convention organized by the All Nyishi Youth Association
(ANYA) was concluded at Yazali general ground, Lower Subansiri district on December
nine last.

Addressing the valedictory function, Nyishi Elite Society (NES) president Bengia
Tollum emphasized on family values as the basis of social development.

Tollum said that the people of his community lacked determination to succeed and
excel in their field of activities adding “Every second an organization is formed
by Nyishi people without any mind to compete.” However, he expressed hoped that Nyishi
people shall occupy the top position in every field in next 10 to 15 years.

He further said Nyishi people being the tribe with highest population should also
be big at heart and big in development and big by virtue of our deed. “Simply by
being big tribe does not make any meaning of being big,” he said. Tollum also highlighted
the evolution and development of ANYA.

In his address MLA cum parliamentary secretary, Likha Saaya stressed the need of
maintaining discipline. He said that there was no networking even after being the
largest tribe and community in Arunachal Pradesh. “Our people should be qualitative
not only quantitative to give a new status and outlook in this period, especially
when the chief Minister of state is being represented by Nyishi people”, he said.

ANYA president Bamang Taji called for strict action against drug peddlers and stressed
on effective measures to prevent spread of drug menace in Nyishi belt.

Arunachal Pradesh Building Construction Welfare Board chairman Jalley Sonam and
former ANYA president Taring Mama also spoke on the occasion.

Prizes were also distributed to winners of various sports and cultural competitions.

In folk song and dance competiton, Upper Subansiri ANYA unit won the Lt. Tadar Tang
memorial Trophy while the Kurung Kumey ANYA unit won the second prize.

AAPWU reiterates demands, threatens stir

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union (AAPWU) has reiterated its
demand for immediate removal of Labour Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh
Building & Other Constructions Workers Welfare Board (APBOCWWB) Ojing Darung from
his post for alleged misuse of his power and function and illegal encroachment of
Govt. land and served 30 days ultimatum to state government in this regard.

Addressing a press conference at AAPWU office today, secretary general AAPWU Changma
Tajo alleged that Labour Commissioner has misused public money meant for poor labours
and illegally encroached govt. land as well as dismantled the official quarter allotted
to him and constructed a private building in its place. Besides these, it also alleged
that Labour Commissioner has carried out various illegal departmental works like
tender, supply order without following official procedures.

“Ever since he joined the department, he failed to do any beneficial activity for
the labour class people rather he misused his power and position and carried out
lots of illegal activities while undermining the interest of labour community” alleged
AAPWU general secretary. However, even after seven months since the matter was brought
to the knowledge of govt no action has been initiated against him till date, he added.

The union strongly demanded the government to immediately remove the Labour Commissioner
from his post and take action against him for illegally dismantling of the official
quarter allotted to him and construction of a private building in its place and appointment
of able officers separately for Labour Department and APBOCWWB.

It threatened to resort to phase-wise democratic movement starting from January 7
next with dharna in front of Chief Secretary’s office premise followed by statewide
tool down strike on January 10 and indefinite blackout from January 14 next, if the
government fails to respond within the given period.

Further, AAPWU also strongly requested the capital complex administration to immediately
carry out the eviction drive as per court case No. CEO/ICC/Jud-357 dated 22/02/2012
and dismantle the private structures allegedly constructed by Labour Commissioner
in govt land after dismantling the official quarter allotted to him.

A copy of memorandum letter submitted to the Chief Secretary on its demand and court
case No. CEO/ICC/Jud-357 dated 22/02/2012 was also made available to the media-persons
during the conference.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Tako Dabi said “only passing exams and
acquiring degrees is not the sole purpose of education. One should acquire knowledge
and equip themselves to face the realities and challenges of life.”

While exhorting both teachers and parents to shoulder responsibility to educate
their children, Dabi said that the children should be more dedicated, sincere and
hard working to attain success in life. However he expressed his happiness that in
spite of lot of challenges many students have done well academically and have become
successful in their life.

Long term and visionary planning is the only way to permanent development in the
state, Dabi said adding there are still lot to be done in the sectors like education,
road communications, electrification, health etc. However, he was hopeful that technical
colleges will be established in future.

Emphasizing on maintaining peace and harmony as the pre-requisite for development,
he hoped that that central govt. will help in maintaining peace and harmony in the
NE region for faster development.

While appreciating the people for taking up rubber cultivation in a bigger way, Dabi
said large scale horticulture will enhance of economy of rural people.

RK Mishra said that though there are bottlenecks we have to overcome the challenges
and be successful in life. He assured to post subject teachers in the school. He
also assured to look for avenues for setting up of a tube well to solve the water
crisis.

Stressing the need of people’ participation in governance the DC informed about the
measures being taken to tackle law and order. He also suggested for formation of
a security committee for the purpose. He further informed that a meeting would be
convened shortly with the Railways authority regarding the construction of railway
crossing. He appealed the students to be more sincere, dedicated and disciplined.

Pushpendra Kumar said that he was well aware of the law and order problem of the
area for which proposal for setting up of a police outpost is with the Govt. If approved,
sufficient personnel will be posted to man the outpost said the SP. He assured to
render any possible help for security of the people.

'POI PEE MAU', the New Year festival of the Tai people, is of paramount importance
to uniting all Tais. Its importance as a powerful heritage to preserve age old culture,
tradition, literature and games & sports cannot be undermined. This Poi is a celebration
of oneness and a symbol to disseminate the rich cultural heritage and exotic cuisine
of the Tai’s to the world.

Located on the Northeastern region of the country, Arunachal Pradesh, popularly known
as the Land of the Rising Sun, prides itself on its myriad tribes woven together
in a diverse but rich cultural fabric. The tribes maintain and express their sense
of joy and harmony and spiritual satiation in the form of festivals celebrated in
different seasons of the year.

The Tais, one of the major tribes of Arunachal, inhabit the lush green southern part
of Lohit district in the Land of Golden Pagoda. The Tai people are good craftsmen,
enterprising traders, expert agriculturists and practice martial arts (Soung) and
Koboj which earlier helped them resist the British army.

Every festive occasion or celebration of the Tai people revolves around the principles
and teachings of Lord Buddha. All its socio-cultural activities have been truly religious.
The essence of festivals lies in bringing people together and spreading the intrinsic
values of their cultures and traditions.

Being followers of Lord Buddha, the Tai people are lovers of peace and harmony. Thus,
Poi Pee Mau has always unfolded the message of peace, harmony and unity. Be it language,
literature and script, art and culture, games and sports and food habits - all these
of the Tai people are unique and beautiful. Their decency and craftsmanship and their
cuisine reveal their love and taste of food, while their sports show their adeptness
in the art of games.

Poi Pee Mau - a New Year festival of the Tai people - is the celebration of the advent
of a new dawn for the community to usher a fresh era of socio-cultural development.
Poi Pee Mau is as important as any other festivals to Tai people as this festival
shows our culture, tradition, customs, lifestyle and beliefs in god. Thus, the festival
is the best way to respect the tradition and culture. This festival brings co-operation
and unity among the people besides it gives happiness, enjoyment and also enhances
living-standard of people because this festival generate income to the local community
and our nation and helps in preserving our rich culture and heritage.

Poi Pee Mau is the biggest festival of the community. Poi Pee Mau, literally ‘the
Tai New Year’, is celebrated in November or December to welcome the advent of a new
dawn of socio-cultural development in the community. The learned Tai people know
that the actual Pee Mau of the Tai should begin on the first day of the first month,
which, according to the Tai calendar, falls either towards the end of November or
early December. January is the second month and April is the fifth, not the first,
in the Tai calendar. We all know that Vesak, Buddhist celebration falls on the sixth
month of the Tai calendar or in May in the Gregorian calendar.

How and when did the Tai lunar year begin is a question increasingly asked among
the Tai’s? It is largely theoretical proposition, the nature of controversy around
most of the calendars in the world; myths and novelty are often associated with the
beginning of a calendar.

The idea of the festival was conceived by the Tai Khampti Development Society (TKDS)
and it is celebrated in accordance with the ancient Tai calendar. The noble initiative,
with support from the Khampti Singpho Council (KSC), is aimed at reviving the tribe’s
culture, script, music and way of life, while keeping pace with developments in the
modern world is a praiseworthy.

Among the heritage of the Tai people are hundreds of volumes of manuscripts, traditional
medication system, dances, martial arts, handicrafts and delicious cuisine. With
patrons such as deceased Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, Governor JJ Singh, Chief Minister
Nabam Tuki and Minister Finance, Planning and PWD Chou Na Mein, Parliamentary Secretary
for Animal Husbandry Tiwa Mein and Local MLA Sati Mein among others the TKDS has
made rapid progress in acquainting the Tai youths with their rich heritage, rescuing
the Tai culture from the threat of possible extinction, and weaning the youth away
from the menace of opium and other drugs. Equally importantly, the festival helps
sustain the prospects of the tourism industry in Lohit district.

The initiative and the foundation of the festival laid by the TKDS will help the
Tai people, especially the youths, to propel themselves towards a modern, vibrant
and developed society - a society that will be at par with any developed society
of the world. To check these harmful bad habits which are easy to acquire but difficult
to avoid, the initiative of the TKDS to organize the Poi Pee Mau to promote the Tai
culture and tradition and thereby bringing awareness and revolution among the Tai
people, especially the younger generations, for all round development is appreciable.

The common platform in the form of Poi Pee Mau provided to the youth has relevantly
changed the mindset and helped them see the brighter part of life. The Poi (festival)
has in the true sense made the younger generations more acquainted with at least
the names of different games and sports disciplines, and also rescued the Tai culture
from the threat of possible extinction.

The celebration of Poi Pee Mau is designed in such a way that it will become a platform
to develop and display the talents of the budding artists and writers of the society.
It will also expose the tourism potential of the area to the outer world and help
the unemployed youth get employment under the tourism sector.

Organizing the festival will surely go a long way to inspire the youths to come forward
and protect the identity and culture of the community - be it today, tomorrow or
in the days to come. It also sustains the prospects of tourism and ultimately helps
in strengthening the society, the state and the nation as a whole.

Poi Pee Mau is one such way to showcase the cultural specialties of the community.
It represents the cultural ethos, providing sustenance to it and ultimately promotes
tourism and provides continuity to customs, tradition and culture. The festival also
serves as an ideal platform for showcasing the splendor of the region with respect
to its culture, practices, crafts and arts, and can effectively attempt to change
the stereotypical notions about the district and the region as a whole. It will give
ample opportunity for everyone to come together and rejoice this change. The launch
of the website in the maiden Poi Pee Mau celebration in 2008 by Governor has brought
all the Tai’s closer and gave them exposure to the world besides fostering universal
brotherhood.

Poi Pee Mau is the occasion when we think of each other more and when our consciousness
meets; let this year Pee Mau give us all strength to persevere with hope for peace.
Let this year Poi Pee Mau give us strength to enhance both education and wisdom with
which our younger generations will make the progress we have been dreaming to realize.
And, let us this Poi Pee Mau makes us all stronger that we can contribute to the
world for the better.

So join us in this fun filled celebration and bask in the glory of Tai people hospitality
from 13 to 16 December 2012 at the Land of Golden Pagoda in Lohit district.

The period from 2010-12 has witnessed highest number of bandh call in the state.
A total of 612 hours were affected alone in the state till August this year due to
bandh calls while, it was 1,020 hours last year and 348 hours during 2010. Every
time an organization calls a bandh, the local administratio declares it illegal under
various provision of law. However it is seen that they fails to make any arrest which
emboldens bandh callers.

It is because of such failure on the part of administration to strongly deal with
bandh callers, the state is fast turning into a ‘bandh state.’ Chief Minister Nabam
Tuki on the floor of state assembly on 29th September 2012 informed that altogether
87 persons were arrested in connection with bandh calls during the period while a
total number of 21 cases registered in different police stations of the state. Considering
the massive increase in number of bandh calls, the number of persons arrested and
case registered is just not enough. If government is really honest about containing
bandh call, they have to get really strong on them. The states like West Bengal,
Assam and neighbouring country Nepal are some of the examples of how bandh can hamper
the growth of development. Once the most prosperous state, today West Bengal is struggling
to catch up with rest of the country due to bandh culture.

It’s time Arunachal government pulls up shocks and tackle the bandh menace with firm
hand.

Justice delayed is justice denied

Dear Editor,

Through the columns of your esteemed daily I would like to request to the police
and the East Siang district administration to kindly make some immediate headway
in the recent murder of college student late Nani Tama case. Late Tama was 19 year
college student who just came to meet his elder brother at this beautiful place Pasighat
from where he could never returned back home.

Whoever involved in this heinous crime should immediately be arrested which could
only bring some solace to the bereaved family members. He was innocent boy, new to
this place and became a victim. Innocent victim should be given justice as prompt
as possible. For instance, the fatal attackers of associate editor of Arunachal Times,
Tongam Rina are still at large despite the fact that 148 days have passed. The police
remain still clueless. We must never forget that it is only for us and our society
she and her family had to face such a bitter experience.

With dejection in my heart, I have to say that here at Pasighat, the Para military
forces have been deployed not for public protection but protection only for few shopkeepers
as their duties are restricted or confined only in market areas. They will never
be seen where their duties are actually required. The incidents like mobile snatching,
money snatching, murder and the scenes like drinking alcohol/beer along the road
side, over the bridges ( Sibo Korong, Ranaghat, Komolighat ) globally local stunt
performing bikers are very common at Pasighat which give rises to crimes.

Gamut of such scenes and incidences which leads to crime could have been averted
had there been a surprised monitoring or night patrolling at least twice a week and
I am sure one would not have to lost a precious life.

Yours’

Ann Diibo

Pasighat

What about remaining districts of state?

Dear Editor,

This is in response to the letter published by various student organizations of Tirap,
Changlang and Longding on 10th December 2012 in your esteemed daily. It is to their
understanding that the letter I wrote was not to attack the sentiments of your area
or to any individual, but was to express my resentment on behalf of other 14 districts
over such a scarce in creation of the posts. It is definitely known to each and every
individual of the State that the districts; Tirap, Changlang and Longding are under
the threat of insurgency, but it is not the lone element that cause a harsh living.
At least you people are privileged of employment in return of the tense prevailing
in your area. But what do we get out of our hardship; unemployment and poverty? Lack
of open and equal opportunity? Apropos to the quote in your letter, ''a job opportunity
is always but option to deter youths from going wayward'', very true, but was the
quote subjected only for the people of your area? Let me remind them something out
of their regional thought that there are 14 other districts much larger in area and
population. Furthermore, the allegation leveled against me by them of accusing me
of misguiding the masses is in all regard a foul attempt.

Therefore, now and again I highly appeal to the concern authorities to create an
equal platform for all the districts so that everyone gets an equal share, right
and opportunity.

Yours,

Dular Dujom

RGU, Doimukh

Big round of applause to Capital Police

Dear Editor,

A big round of applause to the capital police for busting out the ATM fraud racketeers.
This is truly an eye opener as we seldom follow the norms of standing in queue for
the withdrawal of money from the ATM booth. There is hardly any privacy maintained
as the person at the back can see everything and the matter get compounded further
by the ladies who are always in hurry and thus getting the first privilege as nowhere
it written that ladies line has to be. This is total anarchy.